Poultry wing segmenting blade and method of use

ABSTRACT

A poultry wing segmenting blade to segment a poultry wing into segments at the poultry wing joint, the blade includes a bifurcated blade having a first edge and a second edge, and further comprises a guide, the guide configured to align the poultry wing joint with the bifurcated blade configured to separate the joint and cut the poultry wing and, thus, functions to produce consistent high speed joint cuts without producing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed open bone areas, and/or bone marrow contamination.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the full extent permitted by law, the present United StatesNon-provisional Patent Application, is a Continuation-in-Part of, andhereby claims priority to and the full benefit of United StatesNon-provisional Patent Application entitled “Poultry Wing SegmentingSystem and Method of Use,” having assigned Ser. No. 13/711,963, filed onDec. 12, 2012, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure generally relates to butchering and more specifically, itis related to subdivision of a poultry wing into three segments.

BACKGROUND

The poultry wings, especially chicken wings, are typically presented asspiced buffalo wings in the form of flats and drums. Such poultry wingsor wing segments are eaten by holding the cooked wings or wing segmentsin the hands and eating the meat away from the bones. In order tosegment the poultry wings into flats and drumettes the poultry wing mustbe portioned into drumette, flat, and tip.

At first, the separation of the wing segments from one another wasperformed by hand. For example, the poultry wing is removed from thepoultry carcass by cutting the poultry carcass at the carcass shoulderjoints and then cutting the poultry wings at the elbow joint between thedrumette and flat, and at the tip joint between the flat and wing tipsections to produce separate poultry wing segments. Such manual poultrywing processing was expensive and time consuming. However, with thegrowing consumer demand for segmented poultry wings, it became desirableto automate the processing of poultry wings.

One approach is a poultry wing portioner, which after the whole wing(s)are removed from the carcass they are manually placed in a verticallyrotatable wheel which has a plurality of circumferentially spacedlateral troughs therearound, in which the poultry wings are horizontallypositioned and presented for being cut into drumette, flats, and tipwing. Specifically, such vertically rotatable wheel has a pair ofannular slots or grooves into which cutting blades whether stationary orrotating, are positioned. With the poultry wing received in one of thecircumferentially spaced lateral troughs such that the elbow joint andtip joint of such poultry wing align respectively with the two annularslots of such wheel, the poultry wing portionor may be used to drawknife blades through such slots so as to cut apart the poultry wing atthe respective joints.

Another approach is a poultry wing cutting apparatus or wing portionercharacterized by a rotatably mounted drum-like wing retaining memberprovided with a plurality of spaced wing receiving grooves extendinggenerally in an axial direction along the outer surface of the retainingmember. A plurality of axially spaced slots is provided which intersectthe grooves. Knife means are provided which extend into predeterminedportions of said slots and cooperative with a plurality of wing engagingmembers which are disposed in other preselected slots to bias said wingdownwardly against each of said knife means to selectively sever thewing at desired locations. Such wing portioner may operate efficientlyat 50-60 wings per minute; however, this speed is dependent on theoperator's ability to load wings into the portioner.

Another approach includes a loop conveyor of poultry wing shackles and acircular saw or a conveyor that holds the carcass in an invertedattitude suspended by their legs from shackles as their torsos movebetween a pair of guide rods and guide rails specifically for guidingthe pair of elbow joints through the disc cutters. The portioner isconfigured to enable a user to place poultry wings in the shackles,which are conveyed past a circular saw. The circular saw cuts thepoultry wings into drumette, flats, and tip wing.

Another approach includes poultry wings suspended by their tip segmentsand oriented so that their outside surfaces face one side of theprocessing path, with right wings oriented with their elbows leading,and left wings oriented with their elbows trailing. The elbow joints arebent by a bending guide, opening the elbow joints. The open joints arecut and separated into drumettes and flats.

The problems associated with such poultry wing apparatus include therequirement to load left wing and right wing differently, the accuracyof the joint cuts is dependent on the individual sizes of the drumette,flat, and tip and also dependent upon whether the poultry wing is aright hand wing or a left hand wing. If the poultry wing(s) areincorrectly cut such cuts will produce wing segments that containshattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed open bone areas, and/orbone marrow contamination resulting in degraded and less valuable wingsegments.

Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a recognizable unmetneed for a poultry wing segmenting blade and method of use that is notdependent on left wing and right wing orientation, and which can produceconsistent high speed joint cuts without producing shattered orfragmented bone segments, exposed open bone areas, and/or bone marrowcontamination.

SUMMARY

Briefly described, in an example embodiment, the present apparatus andmethod overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets therecognized need for a poultry wing segmenting blade to segment a poultrywing into segments at the poultry wing joint, the blade includes abifurcated blade having a first edge and a second edge, and furthercomprises a guide, the guide configured to align the poultry wing jointwith the bifurcated blade configured to separate the joint and cut thepoultry wing and, thus, functions to produce consistent high speed jointcuts without producing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposedopen bone areas, and/or bone marrow contamination.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present apparatusmeets the recognized need for a poultry wing segmenting system, ingeneral, a drive mechanism, a conveyor having a plurality of spacedshackles which hold the poultry wing suspended by their shoulder jointsvertically positioned and presented to a horizontally rotatable wheelwhich has a plurality of circumferentially spaced lateral notched slotstherearound, to receive the vertical hung poultry wing, the rotatablewheel has a pair of annular slots or grooves into which cutting bladesare positioned, a plurality of wing engaging members and guide memberswhich are disposed in other preselected positions to bias and open thewing joints against cutting blades drawn through the annular slots toselectively sever the wing at the elbow joint between the drumette andflat, and at the tip joint between the flat and wing tip to produceseparate poultry wing segments of drumette, flat, and tip and dischargethem into individual receptacles and, thus, functions to produceconsistent high speed joint cuts without producing shattered orfragmented bone segments, exposed open bone areas, and/or bone marrowcontamination.

According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present apparatusmeets the recognized need for a poultry wing segmenting system tosegment the poultry wing into segments, a drumette having a shoulderjoint, a flat having an elbow joint and a tip joint, and a tip, saidsystem includes a drive mechanism, a conveyor having a plurality ofspaced shackles configured to vertically hold the poultry wing suspendedby its shoulder joint, a segmented wheel configured with a plurality ofcontoured troughs circumferentially disposed laterally therearound saidsegmented wheel, said wheel configured to receive the vertical hungpoultry wing from said shackles, and wherein said segmented wheel isconfigured with one or more annular slots wherein at least one cuttingblade is positioned, and wherein said segmented wheel is furtherconfigured with a pivotable wing tip cup, at least one guide bardisposed adjacent said segmented wheel to bias the at least one segmentof the poultry wing against said contoured trough of said segmentedwheel and to draw said cutting blade through said annular slots to severthe poultry wing into one or more segments.

In a preferred embodiment of the poultry wing segmenting blade tosegment a poultry wing into segments at the poultry wing joint, theblade comprising a bifurcated blade having a first edge and a secondedge configured to separate the joint and cut the poultry wing.

In still a further exemplary embodiment a method of segmenting a poultrywing having a poultry wing joint, said method having the steps ofproviding a bifurcated blade having a first edge and a second edge, andthe bifurcated blade having a guide for guiding the poultry wing alongthe guide, aligning the poultry wing joint with the guide, directing thepoultry wing joint toward the bifurcated blade, separating the poultrywing joint with the guide, and cutting the poultry wing at the poultrywing joint with the bifurcated blade.

Accordingly, a feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and methodof use is its ability to reduce the bottle neck of having a singleoperator feed individual poultry wings into a vertical wing wheel of awing portionor, and thus, expand to multiple operators feedingindividual poultry wings into shackles along a shackle line.

Another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method of useis its ability to reduce the number of motors required to operate apoultry wing portioner.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to reduce energy consumption of the wing portionerstation and reduce the overall energy demand of the poultry processingline.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to improve the overall efficiency of a poultryprocessing line and the efficient operation of the wing portionerstation or processing phase.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to efficiently and consistently provide Grade A highspeed joint cuts without producing shattered or fragmented bonesegments, exposed open bone areas, and/or bone marrow contamination.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a more safe work environment for machineoperators by eliminating rotating blades as a cutting means.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to hang the poultry wing in the shackle by grippingthe shoulder joint or drumette rather than hanging the poultry wing bythe wing tip, which can slip from the shackle.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to remove or transfer the poultry wing from itsshackle to a wheel or rotary drum prior to cutting the poultry wing intoits segments.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a wheel or rotary drum having cutouts withadjacent pivoting cams to facilitate transfer of the poultry wing fromits shackle to a wheel or rotary drum prior to cutting the poultry winginto its segments.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a pivotable cam for each rotary drumcutout to drop or unload the poultry wing tip into its receptacle ratherthan prior arts use of gravity.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide guide bars which hold the poultry wingsegments until dropped into their respective receptacles rather thanholding the poultry wing only while it's being cut.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide guide bars which guide and hold thepoultry wing segments (tip, mid, and drum sections) until dropped intotheir respective receptacles.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a spring loaded finger to unload the tipinto its receptacle.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide slide plates which hold the poultry wingflat segment until slid and dropped into its receptacle.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a separation arc, which holds the poultrywing drumette segment until dropped into its receptacle.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a separation arc, which holds the poultrywing drumette segment until dropped into its receptacle.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to hold the drumette using a drumette guide rod onthe outside of the drumette and a drumette guide plate on the inside ofthe drumette.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to drop segmented poultry wing segments in sequenceof tip, flat, and drumette into individual receptacle.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a pivotable blade to enable easy cleaningand maintenance and repair or replacement.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a poultry wing shackle system rather thana single operator feed wheel enabling faster processing times andmultiple workers may load poultry wings along a moving shackle system.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting system and method ofuse is its ability to provide a new stationary blade design andconfiguration.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting blade and method ofuse is its ability to provide a bifurcated blade having a two sidedcurved wing joint positioner and interchangeable v-shaped blade, thejoint positioner having dull and sharp sections wherein the two sidedcurved wing joint positioner or guide is configured to align, separate,and cut the poultry wing along its joints into poultry segments.

Yet another feature of the poultry wing segmenting blade and method ofuse is its ability to provide a bifurcated blade that functions tocenter the blade in the poultry wing joint to help perfect the cutwithout producing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed openbone areas, and/or bone marrow or other contaminations thereof.

These and other features of the poultry wing segmenting system andmethod of use will become more apparent to one skilled in the art fromthe following Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Drawings,Detailed Description and Claims when read in light of the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present retractable display system and method of use or the likewill be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of theembodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which likereference to numerals denote similar structures and refer to likeelements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary poultry wing segmenter;

FIG. 2 is a perspective side view of a prior art wing wheel;

FIG. 3 is a perspective bottom view of an exemplary wing wheel of FIG.1;

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective side view of the exemplary poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing one or more exemplary shackle assembliestraversing an exemplary shackle rail for loading poultry wings thereinwing wheel;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective side view of the exemplary poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing one or more exemplary guide bars to assistshackle assemblies with positioning or loading poultry wings thereintroughs of wing wheel;

FIG. 5A is a partial perspective side view of the poultry wing segmenterof FIG. 1, showing one or more exemplary guide bars to assist shackleassemblies with release and/or transfer of poultry wings therein troughsof wing wheel;

FIG. 6 is a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing first blade positioned therein firstannular slot;

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing poultry wings released from shackleassemblies into troughs of the wing wheel:

FIG. 8 is a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing second blade positioned therein firstannular slot;

FIG. 8.1 is a perspective top view of second blade and releasableholder, shown disassembled;

FIG. 8.2 is a perspective top view of second blade and releasableholder, shown assembled;

FIG. 8.3 is a flow diagram of a method of segmenting a poultry wingutilizing a bifurcated blade;

FIG. 9 is a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing operation of tip cup module 24 about cam41B;

FIG. 10 is a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing flat slide plate configured to carrypoultry wing flat;

FIG. 11 is a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter of FIG. 1, showing discharge of drumette from the poultry wingsegmenter; and

FIG. 12 is a side view of an exemplary poultry wing, shown with segmentsdrumette D, flat FL, and tip T.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely forthe purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neitherdesired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exactdetails of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemedessential to the claimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, asillustrated in FIGS. 1-12 specific terminology is employed for the sakeof clarity. The present disclosure; however, is not intended to belimited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to beunderstood that each specific element includes all technical equivalentsthat operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.Embodiments of the claims may; however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments setforth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples,and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring now to FIG. 1 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated an example embodiment exemplary poultry wing portioner orpoultry wing segmenting system 10. Preferably, poultry wing segmenter 10includes support structure, such as frame 12 configured to form theframework or support for poultry wing segmenter 10. Preferably,adjustable or leveling casters or foot pads 13 are preferably removeablyaffixed to frame 12 (likely on its underside) and provide contactsupport to a surface area, such as the plant floor and enable adjustmentto level poultry wing segmenter 10. Frame 12 may be configured as solidor hollow member(s) having tubular, angled, sheet, or rectangular beamcross-section or the like to permit frame 12 to support poultry wingsegmenter 10. Furthermore, poultry wing segmenter 10 preferably includesrotary guide or track, such as shackle rail 14, and a plurality ofshackle assemblies 18 having wheels, such as rollers 16 to enablerotational travel and connection of shackle assembly 18 along and toshackle rail 14, spaced at intervals and travel as indicated bydirection arrows 19. Preferably, shackle assemblies 18 are oriented tohold the poultry wing shoulder joint SJ and hold the poultry wing PW ina vertical orientation adjacent shackle rail 14. Still further, poultrywing segmenter 10 preferably includes rotational power source 17 whichmay further include motor, shaft, gear box or differential gear or drivegear, or toothed sprocket or belt or chain (not shown) to impart rotarymovement of shackle assembly 18 about shackle rail 14 as indicated bydirection arrows 19. Still yet further, poultry wing segmenter 10preferably includes wing wheel 20 rotationally driven by power source 17as indicated by arc direction arrows 19 and guide rods or guide bars 15disposed along the perimeter of wing wheel 20, which guide poultry wingPW thereabout wing wheel 20.

It is recognized that poultry wing segmenter 10 may be configured with asingle power source 17, thus reducing the number of motors required tooperate poultry wing segmenter 10.

It is further recognized that poultry wing segmenter 10 configured witha single power source 17 preferably reduces energy consumption of thewing portioner station and reduces the overall energy consumption of thepoultry processing line as a whole.

Frame 12, shackle assembly 18, shackle rail 14, and foot pads 13 arepreferably formed, molded or configured from a suitable material, suchas stainless steel, aluminum, sheet metal, plastic, or alternativeresin, fiber, reinforced fiber, or other suitable rigid support materialor the like and any manufacturing method, capable of providing structureto frame 12, shackle assembly 18, shackle rail 14, and foot pads 13.Preferably, the material includes other suitable characteristics, suchas strength, rigidity, durability, water-resistance, light weight,smooth surface, impact resistant surface, cleanability, sterilization,chemical inertness, oxidation resistance, safety, longevity, or otherbeneficial characteristic understood by one skilled in the art.

Referring now to FIG. 2 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a prior art wing wheel 20PA. Wing wheel 20PA includes amulti-piece wing wheel assembly formed of wheel segments, such as firstwheel segment 21PA where the poultry wing drumette is positioned (notshown), second wheel segment 22PA where the poultry wing flat ispositioned (not shown), third wheel segment 23.1PA where the poultrywing tip is positioned (not shown), and fourth wheel segment 23.2PAassembled about a common horizontal drive axis H. Positioned betweenmulti-piece wing wheel segments are one or more knife blades (notshown), such as between first wheel segment 21PA and second wheelsegment 22PA is first annular slot 27PA for receipt of an annularcutting blade (not shown) and between third wheel segment 23.1PA andfourth wheel segment 23.2PA is second annular slot 28PA for receipt ofan annular cutting blade (not shown). Additionally, a plurality of teethelements 29PA of predetermined shape are formed about the periphery ofeach of the respective wheel segments. Such wheel segments arecollectively rotated about a common horizontal drive axis H in fixedrelative alignment such that the teeth elements 29PA form a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced lateral troughs 25PA for receiving poultrywings therein to be cut apart by annular cutting blade (not shown)disposed in first annular slot 27PA and second annular slot 28PA.Moreover, wing wheel 20PA includes cup 26PA to hold the poultry wing tipin place to prevent it from dislodging horizontally from wing wheel20PA.

Referring now to FIG. 3 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated an example embodiment exemplary wing wheel 20. Preferably,wing wheel 20 includes a multi-piece wing wheel assembly formed of wheelsegments, such as first wheel segment 21 configured and positioned toreceive and/or support the poultry wing drumette (not shown), secondwheel segment 22 configured and positioned to receive and/or support thepoultry wing flat (not shown), and third wheel segment 23 configured andpositioned to receive and/or support the poultry wing tip (not shown),and such wheel segments are assembled about common vertical drive axisV. Positioned between multi-piece wing wheel segments preferably are oneor more knife blades (not shown) and one or more annular slots, such asbetween first wheel segment 21 and second wheel segment 22 therein ispreferably first annular slot 27 for receipt of first annular cuttingblade (not shown) and between second wheel segment 22 and third wheelsegment 23 is preferably second annular slot 28 for receipt of secondannular cutting blade (not shown). Additionally, a plurality of teethelements 29 of predetermined shape are formed about the periphery ofeach of respective wheel segments, first wheel segment 21, second wheelsegment 22, and third wheel segment 23. Such wheel segments arecollectively rotated about a common vertical drive axis V in fixedrelative alignment such that teeth elements 29 form a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced lateral troughs 25 for receiving poultry wingstherein to be cut into poultry wing segments of drumette, flat, and tipby first and second annular cutting blades (not shown) disposed in firstannular slot and second annular slot 28. It is contemplated herein thattroughs 25 may be configured as contoured, concave, convex, combinationsand the like. Moreover, wing wheel 20 preferably includes wing tip cupmodule 24, which is preferably pivotable by contacting and following acam (not shown) to enable proper loading and positioning of poultry wingtip (not shown) within troughs 25 of wing wheel 20 and to preventpoultry wing tip (not shown) from an untimely dislodging horizontallyfrom troughs 25 of wing wheel 20. Furthermore, wing tip cup module 24includes mounting base 24A, pivot member 24C, pin 24B to removably affixmounting base 24A thereto pivot member 24C and to preferably enablehinged or pivot movement therebetween, wheel or roller 24D is preferablyreleasably affixed to the underside of pivot member 24C by attachmentdevice 24E where roller 24D preferably rides cam 41 (shown in FIG. 4) toan open position to timely unload or discharge poultry wing tip (shownin FIG. 4).

Referring now to FIG. 4 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial perspective side view of poultry wing segmenter 10showing one or more exemplary shackle assemblies 18 traversing anexemplary shackle rail 14 for loading left or right poultry wingstherein to wing wheel 20. Preferably, poultry wing segmenter 10 includesone or more shackle assemblies 18 moving in series along shackle rail 14via a trolley chain (not shown), as indicated by direction arrows 19.Each shackle assembly 18, such as shackle assembly 18.1, preferablyincludes one or more support segments and one or more transition points,such as first support segment 18E oriented in an upright attitude andreleasably connected on its upper end to roller 16 (shown in FIG. 1) viaattachment device 18F. Furthermore, first support segment 18E ispreferably connected and/or transitioned to second support segment 18Doriented in a horizontal attitude and further connected or transitionedto third support segment 18C oriented in an upright attitude, which ispreferably connected or transitioned to lower end of shackle 18, such asfourth support segment 18B and fifth support segment 18A, which form abifurcated, u-shaped, and/or v-shaped poultry wing shoulder carrier.

It is recognized herein that poultry wing segmenter 10 may accommodateleft poultry wings PWL and/or right poultry wings PWR, as shown in FIG.4.

It is further recognized herein that poultry wing segmenter 10 reducesthe bottle neck of having a single operator feed individual poultrywings into a vertical wing wheel of a wing portioner, and thus, expandsoperation to multiple operators feeding individual poultry wings PW intoshackles 18 along a shackle line or shackle rail 14.

It is further recognized herein that shackles 18 of poultry wingsegmenter 10 are preferably configured to hang poultry wing PW inshackle 18 by bifurcated fourth support segment 18B and fifth supportsegment 18A gripping shoulder joint SJ or drumette D rather than hangingthe poultry wing PW upside down by hanging from wing tip T, which canslip from the shackle 18.

Referring now to FIG. 5 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial perspective side view of poultry wing segmenter 10showing one or more exemplary guide bars 15 preferably configured toassist shackle assemblies 18 with delivery, positioning, holding,loading and/or unloading of poultry wings PW in troughs 25 of wing wheel20. Preferably, poultry wing segmenter 10 includes one or more guidebars 15, such as drumette guide bar 40 and tip guide bar 42. Moreover,drumette guide bar 40 includes one or more drumette support bars 40A,such as drumette support bar 40A1, drumette support bar 40A2, anddrumette support bar 40A3 configured to provide support and positiontherefrom frame 12 (shown in FIG. 1) and delivery, positioning, holding,loading and/or unloading of drumette D. Preferably, drumette supportbars 40A position and support drumette guide bar 40B from frame 12(shown in FIG. 1). Furthermore, tip guide bar 42 includes one or moretip support bars 42A, such as tip support bar 42A1 and tip support bar42A2 configured to provide support and position therefrom frame 12(shown in FIG. 1) and delivery, positioning, holding, loading and/orunloading of tip joint TJ, flat FL, and tip T. Preferably, tip supportbars 42A positions and supports tip leading guide bar 42B from frame 12(shown in FIG. 1).

It is recognized herein that drumette guide bar 40B and tip leadingguide bar 42B are configured as stationary curved rods that extend inthe poultry wings PW processing path adjacent the perimeter of wingwheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows 19 until poultry wings PWbegin to move in an arcuate path about wing wheel 20. This preferablyassures that poultry wings PW will be properly positioned within troughs25 of wing wheel 20, such as drumette D is positioned in first wheelsegment 21 of troughs 25, flat FL is positioned in second wheel segment22 of troughs 25, and tip T is positioned in third wheel segment 23 oftroughs 25 as poultry wings PW are being frictionally engaged bydrumette guide bar 40B and tip guide bar 42B. It is recognized hereinthat this sequence properly orients either left poultry wings PWL and/orright poultry wings PWR within troughs 25 of wing wheel 20 forsubsequent processes.

In use, as shackle assemblies 18 preferably traverses around wing wheel20, as indicated by direction arrows 19, drumette D of poultry wings PWpreferably contacts drumette guide bar 40B. Drumette guide bar 40B ispreferably configured to urge, push, hold, and/or force drumette D intofirst wheel segment 21 of troughs 25 of wing wheel 20 of poultry wingsegmenter 10 without operator assistance. As poultry wings PW continuesits sequence shackle assemblies 18 continues on an inner path relativeto of wing wheel 20 outer path, wherein drumette guide bar 40B transfersor releases drumette D of poultry wings PW to first wheel segment 21 oftroughs 25 of wing wheel 20 as poultry wings PW traverses wing wheel 20of poultry wing segmenter 10.

Moreover, as shackle assemblies 18 preferably traverses around wingwheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows 19, tip T of poultry wings PWpreferably contacts tip guide bar 42B. Tip guide bar 42B is preferablyconfigured to urge, push, hold, and/or force tip T and/or flat FL intothird wheel segment 23 and second wheel segment 22, respectively, oftroughs 25 of wing wheel 20 of poultry wing segmenter 10 withoutoperator assistance. As poultry wings PW continues its sequence tipguide bar 42B preferably urges or pushes tip T of poultry wings PW intothird wheel segment 23 of troughs 25 of wing wheel 20 as roller 24D ofwing tip cup module 24 contacts and pivots about cam 41B, such wing tipcup module 24 is preferably configured to fold tip T of poultry wings PWand hold tip T of poultry wings PW as poultry wings PW traverses wingwheel 20 of poultry wing segmenter 10.

It is recognized herein that the configuration set forth in this FIG. 5,more specifically first wheel segment 21, second wheel segment 22, thirdwheel segment 23 of troughs 25 of wing wheel 20, drumette guide bar 40B,tip guide bar 42B, wing tip module 24, and roller 24D of wing tip cupmodule 24 contacts and pivots about cam 41B, such configuration enabledifferent sized poultry wings PW to be accommodated by poultry wingsegmenter 10.

Referring now to FIG. 5A by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial perspective side view of poultry wing segmenter 10showing one or more exemplary guide bars 15 preferably configured toassist shackle assemblies 18 with release and transfer of poultry wingsPW into troughs 25 of wing wheel 20. Preferably, shackle assemblies 18preferably traverses around an inner circle or path relative to wingwheel 20, as indicated by inner direction arrows 19.1 while wing wheel20 traverses around an outer circle or path relative to shackleassemblies 18, as indicated by outer direction arrows 19, whereby wingwheel 20 pulls and shackle assemblies 18 releases poultry wings PW intotroughs 25 of wing wheel 20, and poultry wings PW is preferably heldtherein by guide bars 15, such as drumette guide bar 40B (and tip guidebar 42B), which transfers or releases drumette D of poultry wings PW tofirst wheel segment 21 of troughs 25 of wing wheel 20 in preparation forportioning.

It is recognized herein that poultry wing segmenter 10 is preferablyconfigured to remove or transfer poultry wings PW from shackleassemblies 18 to wing wheel 20 prior to cutting poultry wings PW into issegments.

It is recognized herein that poultry wing segmenter 10 is preferablyconfigured to provide wing wheel 20 to have troughs 25 with adjacentpivoting wing tip cup module 24 activated or operated by cam 41B tofacilitate transfer of poultry wings PW from shackle assemblies 18 towing wheel 20 prior to cutting poultry wings PW into its segments.

Referring now to FIG. 6 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter 10 showing one or more stationary knives or blades, such asfirst blade 50. Preferably, first blade 50 includes releasable holder52, an adjustment device, such as collar adjuster 56, shaft 54 affixedto frame 12, and blade attachment device 59 and blade guard 58. Asillustrated in FIG. 6, further rotation or movement of poultry wings PWabout wing wheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows 19, causes poultrywings PW to come in contact with first blade 50 cutting the poultry wingPW at the mid or elbow joint positioned between the drumette D and flatFL while the poultry wings PW are bent about the mid or elbow jointpositioned between the drumette D and flat FL by preferably drumetteguide bar 40B.

It is recognized herein that first poultry wings PW, as shown in FIG. 6,further movement of first poultry wings PW about wing wheel 20 causesfurther outward bending of first poultry wings PW at the mid or elbowjoint positioned between the drumette D and flat FL to provide Grade Ahigh speed elbow joint cuts between drumette D and flat FL withoutproducing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed open boneareas, and/or bone marrow and contaminations thereof.

It is recognized herein that the configuration set forth in FIG. 6, morespecifically first wheel segment 21, second wheel segment 22, arepreferably contoured or convex configuration of troughs 25 of wing wheel20, drumette guide bar 40B, such configuration enables cutting by firstblade 50 of poultry wing PW at the mid or elbow joint positioned betweendrumette D and flat FL while the poultry wings PW are bent aboutcontoured or convex configuration of troughs 25. Contoured or convexconfiguration of troughs 25 of poultry wing segmenter 10 preferablyseparates the elbow joint between the drumette D and flat FL to provideGrade A high speed elbow joint cuts between drumette D and flat FLwithout producing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed openbone areas, and/or bone marrow and contaminations thereof.

It is recognized herein that the configuration set forth in this FIG. 6,more specifically wing wheel 20, in which the poultry wings PW arevertically positioned and presented for being cut into drumette D, andflats FL, at this stage of the sequence. Specifically, such horizontallyrotatable wing wheel 20 has one or more annular slots or grooves, suchas first annular slot 27 into which first blade 50 is preferablypositioned. With poultry wing PW received in one of contoured troughs 25of wing wheel 20 such that the elbow joint of such poultry wing PWaligns respectively with first annular slot 27 of wing wheel 20, poultrywing segmenter 10 is preferably configured to draw first blade 50through such first annular slot 27 so as to cut apart poultry wing PW atthe respective elbow joint between drumette D and flat FL.

Referring now to FIG. 7 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter 10 showing poultry wings PW released from shackle assemblies18 into troughs 25 of wing wheel 20, and poultry wings PW is preferablyheld therein by guide bars 15, such as drumette guide bar 40B (anddrumette exit guide bar 40C), which transfers or releases drumette D ofpoultry wings PW to first wheel segment 21 of troughs 25 of wing wheel20 in preparation for portioning. Preferably, at this sequence, poultrywings PW is preferably separated or portioned at the elbow joint betweenthe drumette D and flat FL by first blade 50 and flat FL is preferablydeposited or discharged onto a horizontal surface, such as slide plate64 positioned therein at least one of annular slots or grooves, such assecond annular slot 28. Flat FL is preferably further rotated by wingwheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows 19, and second wheel segment22 of troughs 25 of wing wheel 20 and slide plate 64 are preferablyconfigured to carry or hold flat FL, as indicated by direction arrows19, until flat FL reaches slide plate edge 65 where flat FL ispreferably discharged into a bin, shoot, or receptacle (shown in FIG.11) for collecting flat FL.

Referring now to FIG. 8 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter 10 showing one or more stationary knives or blades, such assecond blade 70. Preferably, poultry wing segmenter 10 includes secondblade 70 similarly affixed to frame 12 as first blade 50 and includesreleasable holder 72 and blade handle 70C. Second blade 70 preferablyincludes bifurcated blade 70A, beveled edge 70E, guide wire 70B, bladehandle 70C, and blade opening 70D.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, further rotation or movement of poultry wingsPW about wing wheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows 19, causespoultry wings PW to traverse guide wire 70B, and aligned contact withbifurcated blade 70A of second blade 70 cutting the poultry wing PW atthe lower or wrist joint positioned between the flat FL and tip T whilethe poultry wings PW are bent about the lower or wrist joint positionedbetween the flat FL and tip T preferably by tip guide bar 42B (as shownin FIGS. 5 and 7).

It is recognized herein that first poultry wings PW, as shown in FIG. 8,further movement of first poultry wings PW about wing wheel 20 causesbeveled edge 70E to separate the lower or wrist joint positioned betweenthe flat FL and tip T to provide Grade A high speed lower or wrist jointcuts between the flat FL and tip T without producing shattered orfragmented bone segments, exposed open bone areas, and/or bone marrowand contaminations thereof.

It is recognized herein that first poultry wings PW, as shown in FIG. 8,further movement of first poultry wings PW about wing wheel 20 causesfurther outward bending of first poultry wings PW at the lower or wristjoint positioned between the flat FL and tip T to provide Grade A highspeed lower or wrist joint cuts between the flat FL and tip T withoutproducing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed open boneareas, and/or bone marrow and contaminations thereof.

It is recognized herein that the configuration set forth in FIG. 8, morespecifically second wheel segment 22, third wheel segment 23, arepreferably contoured or convex configuration of troughs 25 of wing wheel20, tip guide bar 42B, wing tip cup module 24, and/or roller 24D of wingtip module 24, such configuration enables cutting by second blade 70 ofpoultry wing PW at the lower or wrist joint positioned between the flatFL and tip T while the poultry wings PW are bent about contoured orconvex configuration of troughs 25. Contoured or convex configuration oftroughs of poultry wing segmenter 10 preferably separates the lower orwrist joint positioned between the flat FL and tip T to provide Grade Ahigh speed elbow joint cuts between flat FL and tip T without producingshattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed open bone areas, and/orbone marrow and contaminations thereof.

It is recognized herein that the configuration set forth in this FIG. 8,more specifically wing wheel 20, in which the poultry wings PW arevertically positioned and presented for being cut into flats FL and tipT, at this stage of the sequence. Specifically, such horizontallyrotatable wing wheel 20 has one or more annular slots or grooves, suchas second annular slot 28 into which second blade 70 is preferablypositioned. With poultry wing PW received in one of contoured troughs 25of wing wheel 20 such that lower or wrist joint positioned between theflat FL and tip T aligns respectively with second annular slot of wingwheel 20, poultry wing segmenter 10 is preferably configured to drawsecond blade 70 through such second annular slot 28 so as to cut apartpoultry wing PW at the respective lower or wrist joint positionedbetween the flat FL and tip T.

Moreover, as shackle assemblies 18 preferably traverses around wingwheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows 19, poultry wings PW ispreferably separated or portioned at the elbow joint between thedrumette D and flat FL by first blade 50 and flat FL is preferablydeposited or discharged onto a horizontal surface, such as slide plate64 positioned therein at least one of annular slots or grooves, such assecond annular slot 28 and poultry wings PW is preferably separated orportioned at the lower or wrist joint between the flat FL and tip T bysecond blade 70 and tip T is preferably held by tip guide bar 42B inthird wheel segment 23 of troughs 25 of wing wheel 20 as roller 24D ofwing tip cup module 24 contacts and pivots about cam 41B, such wing tipcup module 24 is preferably configured to fold tip T of poultry wings PWand hold tip T of poultry wings PW as poultry wings PW traverses wingwheel 20 of poultry wing segmenter 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2 by way of example, and notlimitation, there is illustrated a perspective top view of second blade70 and releasable holder 72 shown disassembled/assembled, respectively.Preferably, second blade 70 includes two edged, split or v-shapedblades, such as bifurcated blade 70A, having an edge, preferablysharpened edge, such as first beveled edge 70E1 and second beveled edge70E2 configured having blade opening, such as, bifurcated blade opening70D, first guide, such as guide wire 70B, blade handle 70C configuredwith apertures, such as first blade handle aperture 70G1 and secondblade handle aperture 70G2. Moreover, releasable holder 72 preferablyincludes second guide, such as guide edge 72B, guide body 72A toposition and support guide edge 72B, blade handle receptacle 72C toreceive blade handle 70C. It is recognized herein that guide wire 70Band guide edge 72B may include sharpened and/or dulled sections andfurther rotation or movement of poultry wings PW about wing wheel 20, asindicated by direction arrows 19, causes poultry wings PW to traverseguide wire 70B and guide edge 72B, and align and align poultry wing PWat the lower or wrist joint positioned between the flat FL and tip Twith bifurcated blade opening 70D of second blade 70 cutting the poultrywing PW at the lower or wrist joint positioned between the flat FL andtip T while the poultry wings PW are bent about the lower or wrist jointpositioned between the flat FL and tip T preferably by tip guide bar 42B(as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7).

It is further contemplated herein that guide wire 70B and guide edge 72Bare preferably curved to match rotation arc of wing wheel 20, asindicated by direction arrows 19, shown in FIGS. 5 and 6.

Moreover, an attachment device, such as one or more threaded bolts 70F1and 70F2 may be positioned therein one or more apertures 70G1 and 70G2of blade handle receptacle 72C, wherein one or more threaded bolts 70F1and 70F2 are preferably threaded therein one or more threaded apertures72F1 and 72F2 to releasably affix blade handle 70C therein blade handlereceptacle 72C and releasable join second blade 70 and releasable holder72, as shown in FIG. 8.2. Preferably, releasable holder 72 is releasablyand adjustably affixed thereto frame 12 by extension arms 72D1 and 72D2configured with adjustment slots 72E1 and 72E2 and further adjustablypositions second blade 70 therein second annular slot 28 of wing wheel20.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8.1 and 8.2, further rotation or movement ofpoultry wings PW about wing wheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows19, causes poultry wings PW to traverse between guide wire 70B and guideedge 72B, and align contact with bifurcated blade 70A of second blade 70cutting the poultry wing PW at the lower or wrist joint positionedbetween the flat FL and tip T while the poultry wings PW are bent aboutthe lower or wrist joint positioned between the flat FL and tip Tpreferably by tip guide bar 42B (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7) withoutproducing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed open boneareas, and/or bone marrow or other contaminations thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 8.3 by way of example, and not limitation, thereis illustrated a flow diagram 830 of a method of segmenting a poultrywing PW having a poultry wing PW joint. In block or step 831, providinga bifurcated blade, such as second blade 70 having edge or sharpenededge, such as first beveled edge 70E1 and second beveled edge 70E2, andsecond blade 70 having a guide, such as first guide, including guidewire 70B and second guide, such as guide edge 72B. In block or step 832,guiding the poultry wing PW along a guide, such as first guide,including guide wire 70B and second guide, including guide edge 72B. Inblock or step 833, aligning the poultry wing PW joint with the guide,such as first guide including guide wire 70B and second guide, such asguide edge 72B. In block or step 833, aligning the poultry wing PW jointtherebetween said first guide, including guide wire 70B and said secondguide, including guide edge 72B. In block or step 834, directing thepoultry wing PW joint toward bifurcated blade, such as second blade 70including bifurcated blade opening 70D. In block or step 835, separatingthe poultry wing PW joint with the guide, such as first guide, includingguide wire 70B and second guide, such as guide edge 72B, pinchedtherebetween. In block or step 836, cutting the poultry wing PW at thepoultry wing PW joint with the bifurcated blade, such as second blade 70without producing shattered or fragmented bone segments, exposed openbone areas, and/or bone marrow or other contaminations thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 9 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter 10 showing operation of tip cup module 24 about cam 41B.Preferably cam 41B includes one or more cams, such as cam 41B1, cam41B2, and cam 41B3 and such cams are positioned and supported by camsupports 41A, (including 41A1, 41A2, 41A3, 41A4, and 41A5) positionedbetween frame 12 and cams 41B. Preferably, as poultry wings PW continuesits sequence roller 24D of wing tip cup module 24 contacts and pivotsabout cams 41B1, such that wing tip cup module 24 is preferablyconfigured to pivot and fold tip T of poultry wings PW and hold tip T ofpoultry wings PW. Preferably, as poultry wings PW continues its sequenceroller 24D of wing tip cup module 24 contacts and pivots about cams41B2, such that wing tip cup module 24 bends or pivots to releases tip Tof poultry wings PW to preferably discharged tip T into a bin, shoot, orreceptacle (shown in FIG. 11) for collecting tip T as poultry wings PWtraverses wing wheel 20 of poultry wing segmenter 10.

It is recognized herein that the configuration set forth in FIG. 9,preferably enables wing tip cup module 24 to pivot in and out of poultrywing segmenter 10, and more specifically pivot in and out relative towing wheel 20 to enable tip T of the poultry wings PW to be loaded andclosed to hold tip T of the poultry wings PW in wing wheel 20 forcutting, and opens again after cutting to enable tip T of the poultrywings PW to be discharged into a bin, shoot, or receptacle (shown inFIG. 11) for collecting tip T as poultry wings PW traverses wing wheel20 of poultry wing segmenter 10. It is further recognized herein thattip T will not release or discharge from of troughs 25 of wing wheel 20unless wing tip cup module 24 pivots about pin 24B by movement of roller24D across cam 41B.

Moreover, if the tip T of the poultry wings PW happens to stick to wingtip cup module 24 and tip T is unable to discharge poultry wingsegmenter 10, poultry wing segmenter 10 preferably includes rotationalunloader bar 82 rotationally affixed to frame 12 and a bias mechanism,such as spring 82A. Preferably unloader bar 82 is disposed or positionedadjacent open tip cup module 24 to contact tip T stuck in wing tip cupmodule 24 and discharged tip T into a bin, shoot, or receptacle (shownin FIG. 11) for collecting tip T as poultry wings PW traverses wingwheel 20 of poultry wing segmenter 10.

Referring now to FIG. 10 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter 10 showing slide plate 64 configured to carry flat FL, asindicated by direction arrows 19. Preferably second wheel segment 22 oftroughs 25 of wing wheel 20 and slide plate 64 are preferably configuredto carry flat FL, as indicated by direction arrows 19, until flat FLreaches slide plate edge 65 where flat FL is preferably discharged orfalls into a bin, shoot, or receptacle (shown in FIG. 11) for collectingflat FL.

Moreover, as poultry wings PW traverses around wing wheel 20, asindicated by direction arrows 19, drumette D of poultry wings PWpreferably contacts outside drumette guide bar 40B1 and inside drumetteguide bar 40B2, both preferably configured to urge and/or pull drumetteD from troughs 25 of first wheel segment 21 of wing wheel 20 of poultrywing segmenter 10 preferably discharged drumette D into a bin, shoot, orreceptacle (shown in FIG. 11) for collecting flat FL. It is recognizedthat outside drumette guide bar 40B1 and inside drumette guide bar 40B2separate from one another to enable wing wheel 20 to discharged drumetteD.

Referring now to FIG. 11 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated a partial cutaway perspective side view of poultry wingsegmenter 10 showing discharged of drumette D into a bin, shoot, hopper,or receptacle 100. Preferably, as poultry wings PW traversearound wingwheel 20, as indicated by direction arrows 19, drumette D of poultrywings PW is preferably released from poultry wing segmenter 10 asoutside drumette guide bar 40B1 and inside drumette guide bar 40B2separate from one another as shown by gap 84 to enable wing wheel 20 todischarged drumette D into receptacle 100.

Referring now to FIG. 12 by way of example, and not limitation, there isillustrated poultry wings PW. Preferably, poultry wing segmenter 10segments or portions poultry wings PW by cutting poultry wings PW at theelbow joint EJ between the drumette D and flat FL, and at the tip jointTJ between the flat FL and tip T sections to produce separate poultrywing segments drumette D, flat FL, and tip T.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodimentsof the present invention. Having thus described exemplary embodiments,it should be noted by those ordinarily skilled in the art that thedisclosures within are exemplary only, and that various otheralternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within thescope of the present invention. Merely listing or numbering the steps ofa method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on theorder of the steps of that method. Many modifications and otherembodiments of the invention will come to mind to one ordinarily skilledin the art to which this invention pertains, having the benefit of theteachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associateddrawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are usedin a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes oflimitation. Moreover, the present invention has been described indetail; it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made thereto without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Accordingly,the present invention is not limited to the specific embodimentsillustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.

Therefore, at least the following is claimed:
 1. A poultry wingsegmenting blade to segment a poultry wing into segments at the poultrywing joint, said blade comprising a bifurcated blade having a first edgeand a second edge configured to separate the joint and cut the poultrywing.
 2. The blade of claim 1, wherein said a first edge and a secondedge are beveled.
 3. The blade of claim 1, wherein said bifurcated bladefurther comprises a blade handle.
 4. The blade of claim 3, wherein saidblade handle further comprises an aperture.
 5. The blade of claim 4,wherein said bifurcated blade further comprises a guide, said guideconfigured to align the poultry wing joint with said bifurcated blade.6. The blade of claim 5, wherein said guide further comprises a firstguide and a second guide configured to align the poultry wing jointtherebetween
 7. The blade of claim 6, wherein said first guide furthercomprises a guide wire configured to align the poultry wing joint withsaid bifurcated blade.
 8. The blade of claim 7, wherein said first guidewire further comprises a dull section to locate the poultry wing joint.9. The blade of claim 6, wherein said second guide further comprises aguide edge configured to align the poultry wing joint with saidbifurcated blade.
 10. The blade of claim 9, wherein said second guideedge further comprises a dull section to locate the poultry wing joint.11. The blade of claim 9, wherein said bifurcated blade furthercomprises a blade handle receptacle configured to receive said bladehandle.
 12. The blade of claim 11, wherein said bifurcated blade furthercomprises an attachment device configured to releasably affix said bladehandle to said blade handle receptacle.
 13. A method of segmenting apoultry wing having a poultry wing joint, said method comprising thesteps of: providing a bifurcated blade having a first edge and a secondedge, and said bifurcated blade having a guide; guiding the poultry wingalong said guide; aligning the poultry wing joint with said guide;directing the poultry wing joint toward said bifurcated blade;separating the poultry wing joint with said guide; and cutting thepoultry wing at the poultry wing joint with said bifurcated blade. 14.The method of claim 13, wherein said guide further comprises a firstguide and a second guide.
 15. The method of claim 14, further comprisingthe step of aligning the poultry wing joint therebetween said firstguide and said second guide.